By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

McAuley House Mass

On Monday, McAuley House gathered together in St. James’ Hall to celebrate the Eucharist together. A group of dedicated McAuley students from across the year levels have worked hard to put the mass together, choosing the theme of harmony and writing prayers that promoted religious tolerance and understanding - message that is definitely relevant in our modern world. Celebrating together in the smaller venue of St. James’ Hall worked well as it created a more intimate setting and created a relaxed, but appropriate atmosphere.

The school’s Saint Vincent de Paul group has been meeting regularly to explore social justice issues that are important, both in our local community and globally. Two weeks ago we sent a letter to the local council and Mayor Tracy Dobie to ask about areas of need in our community, especially regarding the drought and the effects that drought is having on a variety of people. Since then, the Mayor has responded with the names of those who are working in this area and the SVDP group looks forward to making contact and taking action to help those suffering.

The students are very keen but we are mindful that it is sometimes easy to assume what the problem is without really knowing. Therefore we would like to ask anyone who is struggling with the drought and its wide-spread impact, to please let us know what you believe the areas of need are. In addition to providing assistance we would also like to consider the social justice element of the situation. Social justice is more than just charity – it involves actively seeking to change those parts of the system that are unjust. Therefore, another thing we would really like to know is, are there parts of the system that are negatively impacting farmers and the wider community, and limiting their ability to cope with the drought? Please feel free to email me on carol.sharp@twb.catholic.edu.au using the subject line SVDP Drought Feedback.

Prayer

Spirit of God,
give us the openness, deep within us
to recognise, daily,
all people as made in your image and likeness.

Help us to learn from one another the ways of being fully alive,
at peace with ourselves and with those around us.
Give us the courage to transform
those parts of ourselves and our world
that separate and create enmity.

Help us to take steps to stop
the cycle of violence
in our homes, in our workplaces,
in our neighbourhoods, in our country,
in our world.

May we be open to our deepest yearning
for a world alive with your justice and truth,
to dream of a society
where all are treated with respect,
and, with the power of your Spirit,
to take steps to bring it about.